Monday, March 21, 2011

How Sweet it is

When I received an email a few weeks ago from Michelle at Cleveland Foodie to attend a special media preview of Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop, I happily accepted. I have been reading about Sweet Moses via their Facebook page for months and was awaiting their opening on Saturday, March 26. I kept wondering if it would have that old-fashioned corner soda fountain feel that I only experienced through Nana's stories of "the good ol'-days". The tables, chairs, and fountain itself are all restored giving the interior of Sweet Moses a nostalgic feel as if you stepped back in time. Owner Jeffrey Moreau envisioned a place where you can go after a nice dinner for a nice dessert. He believes in using the highest quality ingredients for his ice cream, candies, and baked good. However, he also believes in keeping things simple which really gives Sweet Moses that 1920's soda fountain feel.

We were greeted to samples of Sweet Moses' homemade chocolate creations. All of the chocolates are a Belgian blend created by Jeffrey. I sampled the white chocolate with almond, Tuxedo Junction bark, and dark chocolate covered pretzel bark. When I go back, I am already planning to try the Ritz bits that I spotted in the chocolate case. On each table were bowls filled with carmel corn and cheese corn, all freshly popped from an old-school popper. I already decided I had to try the ice cream. What I loved about the specialty sundae menu was the names, all Cleveland based. WhyCLE and I (along with boyfriends) are already planning on attempting the 10 scoop Terminal Tower sundae at some point this summer. As much as I love chocolate, I decided to create my own sundae with a banana split feel. I went with one scoop of homemade banana's foster ice cream topped with strawberries and (of course) sprinkles. A unique feature of all the sundaes is the pretzel garnish on the spoon. I am thinking for my next visit I am going to try the Shoreway Sundae which is coffee ice cream, hot fudge, toffee, and almonds. (yes I probably will add on sprinkles too) All of the hot fudge and caramel is made in house in a copper kettle. My boyfriend opted for something from the soda fountain, a phosphate. One great thing about Sweet Moses is you can be as creative as you want with your sundaes and phosphates. He went with blueberry syrup and chocolate ice cream which turned out very delicious. I also cannot think of many places that have true phosphates on the menu made with soda water and syrups from pure cane sugar.

Another unique menu item is the peanut butter sandwiches. If you are not in the mood for something sweet, you can build your own peanut butter sandwich. We were presented with PB & Nutella, PB & marshmallow (just like I make when I am feeling nostalgic), the classic PB & J, and my personal favorite, PB & bacon.

If you are wondering the inspiration for the name "Sweet Moses", it pays homage to the founder of the city, Moses Cleaveland. It has been noted Moses never looked happy in pictures, possibly because his name (or the city's name) is misspelled. However, if he were alive today and walked into his namesake treat shop in the Gordon Square Arts District I would guarantee he would leave with a smile. If not, I will eat the entire Terminal Tower by myself.

Until next time...follow your heart, fulfill your hunger!

***Disclaimer: I was provided a media pass to this special preview from Cleveland Foodie. The opinions and thought expressed here are my completely my own.***